4 Trends That Predict the Home of Tomorrow

New chimney-less, smoke-less fireplaces are bringing a bit of the future to the present. This portable fireplace warms the room with real flames, burning bioethanol derived from plant by-products. Image: Imaginfires

Why we picked this prediction: It makes sense since residential water rates are rising in the U.S., and toilets are responsible for nearly 27% of our total water use. Plus, Dow Chemical says waterless toilets will become a household standard.

Grey water systems: According to Energy.gov, systems like these currently reuse up to 60% of your household water for watering the lawn and flushing toilets.

Why we picked this prediction: In the future, the real big boppers will be high-tech purification systems that return wastewater to drinking-quality level. A good example is the orbital shower. This concept saves 90% of the water and 80% of the energy used, trimming as much as $1,000 off yearly energy bills.

Energy dashboards: You know how cars share the miles per gallon we’re getting? An energy dashboard will do the same for our homes.

Why we picked this prediction: It’s all about the emerging technologies that will surround the future modernization of the electric grid. Called the Smart Grid, it will allow a two–way dialogue between homeowners and their utility companies so we can understand our energy use and its costs in real time.

Check out this video for more on the Smart Grid:

U.S. Department of Energy

Garages wired for the electric vehicle revolution: Energy.gov predicts we will be charging our vehicles at home, and filling up at the gas stations less. This is based on the growing number of electric vehicle sales across the U.S.

Why we picked this prediction: One city has already embraced this idea. In Palo Alto, Calif., building code requires new homes to come pre-wired for electric car chargers.

Tip:Fireplaces are hot right now. They’re something homebuyers really covet according to the “2013 Home Features Survey” from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Nowadays the latest in fireplace technology are systems that burn denatured alcohol. They can warm up a room and burn for up to 24 hours. Even better, they don’t emit smoke, so no chimney is required.

Avoid Costly Financial Mistakes

#2 The Rise of Super Storms

Since super storms are becoming the norm, homeowners can be left without electricity for weeks, even months — as they were after Hurricane Sandy.

Whole house generator: This will allow people to live comfortably until their power is restored. FYI, homeowners can currently recoup 52% of the cost of a midrange electrical backup system.

Why we picked this prediction: Thanks to climate change and our aging power grid, blackouts are becoming more common. The Department of Energy says that thunderstorms, hurricanes, and blizzards account for 58% of outages in the U.S. since 2002.

Tip: Futurists are predicting that USB ports will become the power outlets of the not so distant future. Luckily for you, quick charge ports are available now.

#4 Smart Home Stuff

Kitchen sinks: They will also do double duty as dishwashers. The in-sink dishwasher will wash small loads in just a couple of minutes.

Laundry machines: They will clean and fold clothing into compact pellets. This will be a big space saver and allow consumers to carry an entire outfit in a small gym bag or purse.

Why we picked this prediction: Smartphones have replaced the need for other items like alarm clocks and cameras. With that idea in mind, it makes sense that countertop appliances will become replaced by multi-purpose “uber appliances” that make our lives a little bit easier.

is an NYC-based writer who’s obsessed with maximizing every inch of her urban dwelling. She’s a former fashionista who has worked for Lucky Magazine and InStyle. She recently traded her high heels and Fashion Week pass for a drill and bandsaw. Follow Deirdre on Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.